Honoring veterans tops Friday plans

Salute those who have gave the ultimate sacrifice in serving this country at the Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 11 at Chula Vista Memorial Bowl, 373 Park Way.

The free event hosted by the American Legion 434 Chula Vista will  promptly start at 11 a.m., immediately following the ceremony will be a reception at the American Legion Post 434 Chula Vista at 47 Fifth Ave. The reception will include a complimentary homemade chicken potpie with vegetables, salad and a dessert.

Other Veteran Service Organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2111 and the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 61 will also participate in the event.

“We should acknowledge and respect all veterans of all war eras, some of which who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect and serve the United States of America,” said Master of Ceremonies Sherry Hill, a retired chief warrant officer in the U.S. Navy reserves and commander of American Legion Post 434.

Keynote speakers include Shirley Ferrill, the , 2016 Chula Vista Veteran of the Year, and retired U.S. Marine Corp gunnery sergeant and combat veteran John Szczepanowski.

Hill said  Ferrill will talk about volunteerism, and how retired veterans are able to help their community through volunteerism. the active duty wounded and respect the fallen, Hill said.

While Szczepanowski’s message will be about how current veterans can help those coming back from wars.

Mayor Mary Casillas Salas  said she understands the importance of Veterans Day and is glad that Chula Vista has an event to celebrate those who have served.

“My father   is a World War II veteran and his six brothers also served in the military,” she said. “ (Veterans Day) is a personal remembrance for me  but we should never forget the sacrifices that our veterans have made for this country.”

A Chaplin from  three veteran service organizations will be present for the Ultimate Sacrifice/Reading of the Roll where the chaplains read the names of the fallen from Chula Vista who have died in combat during three separate war eras.

The event will conclude with the official placement of the Veterans Day Wreath , a significant moment for the event.

“That signifies respect to the veterans who have lost their lives  in combat and in service,” she said.
Councilman John McCann, an Iraq War veteran, said he attends Chula Vista’s Memorial Day Celebration every year because he wants to pay his respects.

“We owe a huge deal of gratitude to our military family members,” McCann said. “They leave their families, give up the comforts of home and are put in danger to protect our freedom. They are true heroes.”